they pay more effective tax than governor romney pays in his federal income tax. they are elderly people who are, in fact, living off social security. they're veterans and people fighting in afghanistan right now who are, quote, not paying any taxes. i've had it up to here with with this notion that 47% of -- it's about time they take some responsibility here. instead of signing pledges to grover norquist not to ask the wealthiest among us not to contribute to bring back the middle class, they should be signing a pledge saying to the middle class, we're going to level the playing field. >> that issue of taxes and which side wants to raise them and which side wants to cut them and on whom, that sparked one of the more spirited moments in tonight's debate. >> there aren't enough rich people in small businesses to tax to pay for all their spending. the next time you hear them say, don't ware aboutorry about it, a few people to pay their share, watch out. they're coming for you. you can preserve these important preferences. >> it has never been done before. >> it's be